We would like to express our grave concern about the mining operations of two companies (Carac-an Development Corp. and Marcventures Mining) at Surigao del Sur province. The mining operations of the two firms will adversely affect the watershed and the P300-million worth of irrigation system built by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which serve the towns of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza. The mine tailings from the mining operations might also have a negative effect on the Lanuza Bay, a rich fishing ground that provides livelihood to fisherfolk in the five towns.

We strongly urge the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop these two companies from proceeding with their mining operations. As party to the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Philippine government has the obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the people’s right to food. The possible destruction of the watershed, the irrigation system and Lanuza Bay due to the mining operations of the two firms will violate the right to food of the people because these resources provide their means of livelihood.

FIAN-Philippines urges Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza to prioritize the protection of the country’s food-producing resources and the environment, not the promotion of large-scale mining.

RAFFY REY HIPOLITO, advocacy officer, FoodFirst Information & Action Network (FIAN)-Philippines, fianphils_2005@yahoo.com